Duncan James undergoes back surgery

Duncan James has been forced to undergo emergency surgery on his back after he slipped a disc and damaged a nerve

Duncan James has been forced to pull out of 'Hollyoaks' after he was rushed to hospital for surgery on his back.

The Blue singer began shooting his scenes as newcomer Ryan in the soap on Tuesday (07.06.16) but he's been forced to push back his debut after undergoing an emergency operation for a slipped disc and damaged nerve.

A source explained: "Duncan slipped a disc and damaged a nerve. It was pretty bad. He had a small section of the disc removed to ease pressure on the spine."

But it's not just Duncan's gig in the Channel 4 show that's in jeopardy at the moment as he's also currently in the final stages of touring his musical 'Priscilla: Queen of the Desert'.

The insider added to the Daily Mirror newspaper: "He has theatre commitments with 'Priscilla...' that are now in jeopardy. And he could have to delay his start date for 'Hollyoaks' if he doesn't make a speedy recovery."

However, his manager Paul Baylay has confirmed Duncan's surgery was a success and he's "doing fine" at the moment.

Taking to Twitter on Thursday (09.06.16), Mr. Baylay wrote: "Confirming @MrDuncanJames has had emergency surgery today in London & is doing fine at this time (sic)."

Meanwhile, Duncan is no doubt frustrated about his injury as just weeks ago he said he couldn't wait to get started on the soap and was thrilled he was now earning regular money.

The 38-year-old hunk - who was declared bankrupt in 2013 - said recently: "It's nice to get a regular pay cheque!"